Trainer Steve Asmussen Fined $10,000 For Violating Drug Rules

Trainer Steve Asmussen was slapped with a $10,000 fine by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) on Monday, November 23 from a probe that was initiated due to equine abuse allegations first brought up by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Even though the allegations towards the award-winning trainer were deemed to be “unfounded” by the NYSGC, the swift action towards stricter drug rule changes are meant to protect both the integrity of horse racing and horses.

The rule changes, which came as a surprise to many in the public, still need to be vetted through a comment period until final adoption. Part of the rule changes will see the administration banning any drug for racehorses unless they are used “as an actual therapy.”

In Asmussen’s case, the $10,000 fine was in relation to the administration of the hormone thyroxine within 48 hours of a race. This was a violation of their drug rules. The NYSGC ruled valid three other allegations from PETA towards Asmussen and his team, citing they weren’t commission violations.

PETA had brought forth ten other allegations that were unearthed as part of a secret organization investigation during the 2013 Saratoga Race Course meet. However, the NYSGC said they were all unfounded.

“While the troubling allegations of the PETA investigation were largely unfounded, our extensive review and other considerations have prompted the commission to put forth substantial changes to further combat the entrenched drug culture in horse racing,” said NYSGC Executive Director Robert Williams.